Record-Breaking Heat Triggers Widespread School Closures
Over 1,200 schools and nurseries across England and Wales are either fully or partially closed on Thursday, as the UK continues to swelter under a rare red warning for extreme heat issued by the Met Office. The mercury is expected to climb even higher, surpassing already record-breaking temperatures seen earlier this week.
The Met Office has warned that the exceptional heat will push northwards on Thursday, bringing an even hotter day for some regions. The red warning covers a large area from London and the south coast to Swansea, Somerset, and Birmingham, and remains in force until late Thursday. The forecaster cautioned that "significant disruption to daily life is likely."
Schools Ill-Equipped for Scorching Conditions
Many schools announced closures in advance, citing that their buildings are ill-equipped to handle such extreme temperatures. At least 1,200 schools and nurseries will be closed or partially closed on Thursday, with many remaining shut on Friday. Some schools have allowed pupils to wear PE kit instead of full uniform, which typically includes long trousers and blazers.
Parents have faced challenges as many schools request that children be collected at lunchtime, earlier than the usual afternoon pick-up. Working parents are entitled to up to four weeks of unpaid parental leave annually, which can be used in cases of unexpected school closures.
Regional Impact and Full List of Affected Schools
Closures span multiple counties and regions, including Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Birmingham, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Cornwall, Devon, Essex, Gloucestershire, Greater London, Hampshire, Herefordshire, Kent, Manchester, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Southampton, Sussex, Swindon, Weston-super-Mare, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, Yorkshire, and various areas in Wales such as Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, and Torfaen.
A comprehensive list of affected schools includes hundreds of institutions. For example, in Berkshire, schools like Aldermaston Church of England Primary School, Denefield School, and Reading School are closed. In Birmingham, Coleshill School, North Birmingham Academy, and Halesowen College are among those affected. In Bristol, Ashley Down Primary School, Bristol Cathedral Choir School, and Cotham School have announced closures.
In Greater London, schools such as All Saints Benhilton Primary School, Barking Abbey School, and Cheam High School are closed. In Wales, closures include Abertillery Learning Community in Blaenau Gwent, Abercerdin Primary School in Bridgend, and Aberbargoed Primary School in Caerphilly.
Parents are advised to check with their local schools for specific closure details and to make alternative arrangements for childcare.
